Tree Planting Event held at Mahatma Ghandi Commemoration by Yoseph Assefa, ETFF Ethiopia Representative   October 5, 2007 Addis Ababa (Ethiopia)- A tree-planting event was organized by the Indian Women’s Association and the Ethiopian National Millennium Celebration Council at Afincho Ber Park (the former Luel Sahle Silase Gibi) in Addis Ababa last Sunday (30, September 2007). 60 indigenous trees were planted by children, women and youth from India, Ethiopia and other African countries to commemorate the birthday of Mahatma Gandhi, known also as father of the nation. On 15 June 2007, the United Nations General Assembly unanimously adopted a resolution declaring October 2 to be the "International Day of Non-Violence. In his opening speech H.E. Mr. Gurjit Singh, Ambassador of India to Ethiopia and Djibouti and Representative of India to the African Union and the UNECA has emphasized for the need for collaborative effort to mitigate the land degradation and environmental pollution. Brief account about the 3 indigenous trees (Melletia ferruginia, Phonex reclenata, and Juniperus procera) that were planted was given by representatives from ETFF. The representatives have emphasized the need for strengthening the effort to conserve the indigenous trees of the country that was demonstrated in last millennium by our forefathers. (King Zera Yakob (1434-1468) planted Juniperus procera in Menagesha Suba (30 km south west of Addis Ababa) by importing the seeds from Wof Washa forest near Debre Sina. Emperor Menelik II also (1888-1912) followed the same suit). The day was very special for kids who were enjoying the pleasant weather by nurturing Mother Nature.   Planting Trees